The reigning MotoGP champion came close to winning his fifth Grand Prix of the year at Silverstone, and had it not been for a brave last-lap overtake from Aleix Espargaro then vic💮tory would have gone Bagnaia🌼’s way.

Still, the Italian has opened up a 41 point lead over Jorge Martin in the championship, following Marco Bezzecchi’s crash whilst running second behind Ba🤡gnaia.

• Espargaro: Red Bu♉ll Ring ‘difficult for Aprilia and my riding style’ 
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Winner in Austria by under half a second from Fabio Quartararo last season, B൲agnaia expects to fight for the win again if he makes a strong start on Friday.

"This is always a great circuit for us. Last year we were competitive, we struggled with rear grip until the Sunday. Let’s see this year," said Bagnaiaꦆ during Thursday’s press conference.

"We know the step forwards KTM made in terms of braking and acceleration, April♏ia too. Those two improved the most.

"We know th🦹e potential of our bike in braking, acceleration and on the straights. It’s🥀 important to take as many points as you can. 

"We can have an advantage on this 🌜track. If we start well, we can improve, and fight for the win."

While Bagn𓃲aia has hopes of winning again at the Red Bull Ring, so does Martin after the Spaniard won in 2020. 

The Pramac rider has dipped ever so slightly in form since winning the German MotoGP🎐, but Martin has still been fast with thatꦚ said.

Martin has always been strong at the Austrian venue and wꦰants to be ‘fighting for top s📖pot’ come Sunday’s race.

Martin added: "This is𒆙 one of thꦜe best circuits for me. I will be fighting for a top spot.

"I am trying to get back to a𝓡 podium position. Saturdays have been complicated so I hope that we improve.

"Th🌃e stop-and-go corners are good to me, and in the third ꩵsector I am competitive. Things come easier here.

"There is still a long way to go. There hasn’t been one trඣack where I’ve been slow. Hopefully I keep this 🧸consistency."